Baringo County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa urges residents, particularly those in far-flung areas, struggling with Social Health Authority registration, to seek help from Community Health Promoters (CHPs).
Speaking during Customer Service Week at Huduma Centre Baringo on Tuesday, Kutwa stated that the frontline health workers who have been deployed across the 30 wards have the gadgets to support those who are unable to register with SHA using the USSD Code *147# or online at sha.go.ke.
He noted that the government’s new health insurance offers numerous benefits, including coverage for terminal illnesses like cancer and diabetes, which were previously costly to treat at various health facilities.
“If you cannot access a phone please visit the nearest CHP who will guide you through all the enrollment process,” said Kutwa.
The Centre Manager Margaret Mwaka and the CC announced that the CHPs will refer individuals with complex challenges to other registration centres for a smoother process. On the other hand, Kutwa urged tech-savvy individuals and service providers to assist the elderly during the SHA registration drive.
Mercy Chepkoech, representing Baringo SHA Manager, urged residents to embrace the new transition, stating that they will soon realize its benefits.
Chepkoech while responding to complaints from clients who attended the customer service week, acknowledged that insurance cover faced a few challenges in its inception stages, like the biometric system for comprehensive Social Health Insurance Cover (SHIF) is being developed and is nearly operational.
Lastly, Mwaka announced a week-long celebration at Pemwai mentally handicapped home in Baringo Central Sub County, culminating in a community social responsibility to donate food and items.
By Benson Kelio and Joshua Kibet
